Healing Wise

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/August09/empower.htm

December 05, 2011 in Food and Drink, Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (1)

Herbal Allies for Chronic Pain and Fatigue

Hello! I've recently purchased a couple of your books "Healing Wise, Childbearing year." and am so excited to start my journey and exploration of herbs and the ancient ways. But, I do have a somewhat serious question/s to ask...

My boyfriend of two years is addicted to opiates. He buys painkillers all the time and takes them everyday. He bought some kratom and was taking that every other day, hoping to find an 'natural alternative'. But even that isn't good for you after a period time, and he still took pain pills. Now he hardly takes the kratom. His excuses are that he has (and he was diagnosed) chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. So it's hard for me to deny him a pain free day when his body always aches.

I just want to know what I can do for him internally, to nourish his body so he can let go of the pills. He knows he has a problem and doesn't like it. So I'm hoping if I have some details on herbs or infusions or whatever it takes to heal his pain, energize himself, and get through the day without taking something terrible, that would be such a blessing. He also drinks energy drinks daily...Can you help? Thanks so much for everything!

Hello,

So very sorry to hear about your boyfriend. Serious chronic pain really wears one down and it is easy to understand how he wants to reach for the pain medication.

With everything that he has going on, you certainly need to start looking at the very basics. How is his diet? You mention energy drinks so we know that part is not so good. Is he drinking any infusions at all? If not, your first step is to get him to start. They can help to build up his energy naturally and gently, while also supplying much needed vitamins and minerals. Nettles provides lots of calcium which can help if he can't sleep at night; oatstraw soothes nerves, eases anxiety and rebuilds Like women, men benefit from all the herbs that we use for our daily infusions. You (and your boyfriend) can read up on them here: http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

A couple of articles that deal with fatigue in general and fibromyalgia:

http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Fatigue_AW3.htm

http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-107-fibromyalgia.htm

I would also make sure to include linden blossom infusion along with the others. It is calming and highly anti-inflammatory. Linden is made a bit differently than the other infusions: Instead of one ounce of herb, you use 1/2 oz of dried linden to a quart of water - infuse for 4 hours or overnite; strain, take left over plant material and put into a pot, cover with 2 cups of cold water, bring to boil and turn off. You will now let this infuse with lid on for 4 hours or overnite. You can then mix the two infusions together. Boiling helps in bringing out the mucilage which is so anti-inflammatory...

He may find using homeopathic remedies such as Rhus toxicodendron or arnica helpful with pain - also motherwort tincture. From Susun: "Whatever your pain--lower back pain, gas pain, tooth pain, almost any pain--motherwort can relieve it. I start with 10-20 drops, and repeat it every 15 minutes until I get relief. Women with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia respond strongly to motherwort, with pain relief evident in a few hours to a few days"

I know it says women, but motherwort works for men as well. Certainly eat nourishing foods, as little processed foods as possible, whole grains, plenty of greens, including dandelion greens, organic yogurt, fatty fish such as salmon and sardines ... make sure he sleeps in a completely darkened room. If possible, look into reiki or massage, maybe someone can be willing to trade or if you have a school nearby lots of times they have students do sessions at greatly reduced rates. If it were me, I would also look into St. Joan's (St. John's) tincture. This can help with the emotional toll all of this is taking on him.

Susun will be starting her free health hotline back up beginning on Sept 13th. These run every Tuesday from 7:30pm - 9:30pm EST at 845-246-8081 so you are most welcome to call her during those times. We also have an active forum here: www.healingwiseforum.com where you can ask others for their suggestions.

These are a few places to start at least. Certainly it is a complex condition and can seem overwhelming. Perhaps trying to focus on one situation at a time, the thing that causes the most problems and then work from there, making sure to get a strong foundation built with daily herbal infusions and a good diet.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

September 09, 2011 in Food and Drink, Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A, Wise Woman Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

Herbal Allies for IBS

Hi,

Will herbal infusions cause diarrhea? (I'm dealing with IBS).

Hi,

I have not known of infusions causing diarrhea. Often nettle seems to help with that particular issue. However I would say to start off with a cup of 8 oz. and see how it affects your body.

Also just a small note from Susun about IBS:

"Blackberry (Rubus villosus and other species). Root is a good choice for an astringent tincture. Prolonged use of a tea of the leaves is said to cure not only simple diarrhea, but even serious intestinal problems such as gastritis, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. If you chew fresh blackberry leaves to heal your bleeding gums, you'll be following a tradition which goes back to Biblical times."

Might be a nice addition to sip on that tea sometimes as well and see if it helps you.

warm regards,

Kim

Wise Woman Team
www.wisewomanweb.com

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

June 02, 2011 in Food and Drink, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wise Woman Wisdom for Food Allergies

Hello,

I just ordered some of susun's audios cds. I am really enjoying them and trying to change my heroic ways. I just finished listened to optimum nutrition and I just had a follow up question I was hoping Susun or one of her appretices could answer for me. A few months ago my son with asthma saw a naturopathic physician that did food sensititivity testing via blood work. The results came back that he was allergic to everything.

I won't even bore you with the long list. His allergist doesn't believe in this testing and thinks it would be very dangerous to eliminate all those foods. My feeling is that it would be dangerous as well and I don't even think I could afford all the specialized food he would need and not to mention the impact on him socially. I didn't hear Susun discuss this type of allergy and was wondering what her opinion was. I also couldn't find anything on the website.

I am curious whether she views food elimination as heroic. If anyone has the time I would greatly appreciate it:)

By the way the tapes are wonderful. I am learning so much and I can't wait to get more! I absolutely love Susun - she has changed my life! Any chance she will write another book? I must have read her others a million times already!!

Susun is very much against food elimination. She is in favor of nourishment. If you want you can call her any Tuesday evening through the spring and summer months, for her free hotline, 7:30-9:30pm EST. the number is 845-246-8081. Call only during those times, on Tuesday evenings. Alternately, you might prefer a paid consultation, at a time that works better for you, register at www.wisewomanbookshop.com

Have you explored other options for what might be going on with your son, including environmental problems such as mold, harsh cleaning chemicals, air fresheners, essential oils in body products, scented laundry soap, and the like. And other causes might be emotional distress due to some situation that is intolerable, such as abuse by care giver, recent divorce, persecution from older siblings or classmates, and the like? There are a very many things that can contribute to the illness of a person….if you and he sit and ask the universe to tell you want is wrong, and YOU LISTEN, you might be surprised at what you learn.

Love,

Justine

May 21, 2011 in Food and Drink, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A, Wise Woman Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wise Woman Wisdom and Cellulite

blessings,

I would like to hear susun's take on cellulite. Are there any herbs, activities or massages that she has experimented with and has found can reduce or eliminate hard cellulite? I have had some on my buttocks and legs since my teenage years. nothing has really put a dent, no matter how active I am. I follow a weston price inspired diet for the most part, do not eat any processed foods, and drink nourishing herbal infusions daily.

I have been taking whole plant dandelion tincture and chickweed tincture in hopes that it might help move fluids and begin to chip away at the celullite. So far no big differences.

Any input would be much appreciated!

Hello,

Cellulite effects most women, as you probably know. Doesn't necessary mean that it is a health issue, or that one is overweight, as certainly many skinny woman have it as well. All the things that you mentioned are recommended. Most important is to exercise, massage and dry brushing. I do know of some women who have used clary sage infused oil or English ivy (hedera helix) infused oil when massaging and found that to help - I also think swimming and yoga are especially helpful.

Really most of us have it and I don't know if one is ever able to get rid of it completely and since you've had it since you were a teenager, sounds like you simply are prone to it. Certainly your diet sounds fine as does your activity level. As hokey as it sounds, do your best to honor it, as we need to do with all our perceived faults. It is never healthy or productive for us to hate parts of ourselves. Many people will probably talk about detoxing and cleansing, but that simply is not part of the Wise Woman Tradition. As long as you are eating healthy and staying active, you are doing the right thing. I would look into perhaps adding massage with one of the infused oils mentioned above. You should be able to find some recipes at our forum at www.healingwiseforum.com

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

May 06, 2011 in Food and Drink, Weblogs, Weight, Wise Woman Q&A, Wise Woman Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

Herbal Allies for Lasting Energy

Susun,

Which herbs give all day energy?

Hello,

One of Susun's mainstays for energy would be nettle infusions. Safe for daily, long-term use, they supply needed vitamins and minerals in a form that is easy for your body to absorb. You can read more here:

It is always best to create a strong foundation with a healthy diet that includes along with daily use of infusions, whole grains, vegetables, wild greens, good organic fats and avoiding white sugar, white flour and not creating a false sense of energy with stimulants such as caffeine.

Here are links to articles of Susun's that discuss energy and fatigue:

http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Fatigue_AW3.htm

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Energy_Stamina.htm

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_Mar-02.htm#q2

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. You may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

April 19, 2011 in Food and Drink, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

Herbal Vinegars and Candida

Hello.

Maybe my English is not very good, but I try to explain my problem. So, every
time I start to use herbal infusion -doesnt matter which one-the next day or in 2 days, I have a candida infection. Its awful because I can't continue drinking herbal infusion but I want to get pregnant.

Thanks

Hello,

I haven't heard of infusions causing candida flare-ups - especially since you are saying that it doesn't matter which herb you use. Certainly we all are different and can have different reactions but it really seems unlikely that no matter the infusion, you are having this occur.

If you are having underlying issues, I would work on addressing them. I am including some links in regards to Susun's work on candida, mainly adding back into ones diet: fermented foods, moldy cheeses such as blue cheese, raw honey, herbal vinegars - perhaps you can give some of these a try and see if it helps, perhaps drink just a cup of infusion a day and then you can slowly begin to build the amount u:.

From Susun: " Vinegar and Candida: Some people worry that eating vinegar will upset the balance of gut flora and contribute to an overgrowth of candida yeast in the intestines. Some people have been told to avoid vinegar altogether. My experience has led me to believe that herbal vinegars help heal those with candida overgrowth, perhaps because they're so mineral rich. I've worked with women who have suffered for years and kept to a strict "anti-candida" diet with little improvement and seen them get better fast when they add nourishing herbal vinegars (and fermented foods such as sauerkraut, miso, and yogurt) to their diets."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trd4lZiBn-8

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

April 13, 2011 in Food and Drink, Health Concerns, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

Water for Infusions and Drying Herbs

Hi Susun,

Actually, I have a couple of questions---

When you make anykind of tea or infusion, is it best to use distilled water, or will tap water do? One of my herbal friends says only to use distilled water for medicinal teas, etc. , because it has no vibration in it and it is neutral. I value your herbal sense, so I'd like to ask you.

Also, my white yarrow flower heads have dried naturally on the stalk. They are a brown color, and I just want to ask if they are ok to use. I suppose they are, but just want to make sure.

I hope my questions weren't too silly.

Please have a wonderful day and thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Green Blessings to you...

Greetings,

Using tap water is fine, as long as it is potable. Different thoughts out there, but yes, distilled water has no vibration - to the point that many consider it "dead"....

Most likely the yarrow is no longer usable as the brown discoloration usually indicates that the medicinal qualities are gone. Best to cut flowers and dry out of direct sunlight. Susun has some youtube videos on drying that you may find useful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZo4uU3J0Rs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7uwNwz6pQg

and no, your questions aren't silly... :) .... Just let us know if you need anything else.

Blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

April 11, 2011 in Food and Drink, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cooking Foods for Best Nutrition

Hi Susun,

I am a homebirth midwifery student and Massage Therapist (prenatal, labor support, and postpartum massage), and I came across a study that shows folic acid counteracts some of the effects of BPA that might be transferred from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. (http://www.pnas.org/content/104/32/13056.long). On facebook, someone had mentioned that they believed they had read that you advised boiling kale in order to access its nutrients properly. Others said the proper way to do this is by steaming for 5 minutes. Would you be able to confirm what the proper way to get the most benefit out of kale? I would really appreciate it.

By the way, I enjoyed and relied heavily on your book, Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, during my two pregnancies. It was there when my ob-gyn completely failed us during my first pregnancy.(Second pregnancy, I went to a midwifery practice.)

Hello,

Plant cell walls are extremely tough to break down, cooking along with some other processes such as dehydration will help with the process. Susun recommends long, slow cooking for plants such as kale. Steaming for 5 minutes is not enough to do the job - usually I put them in a pot with just enough liquid to cover them and let them simmer for around an hour, periodically adding liquid so they don't burn.

From Susun: "To extract minerals from fruits and vegetables, I cook them for long periods of time, or until there is color and texture change, evidence that the cell walls have been broken. Kale cooked for an hour delivers far more mineral to your bones than lightly steamed kale. Fresh juices contain virtually no minerals. Cooking maximizes the nutrients available to us, especially the minerals."

Here are some more thoughts by Susun in regards to nutrition and cooked foods...

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/april04/healingwise.htm

http://www.healing-wise.com/Diet-Nutrition.htm

Hope that helps in clearing things up.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

April 03, 2011 in Food and Drink, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nutrition the Wise Woman Way

Hi,

I'm curious about Susun's perspective of the blood type diet. It is confusing because I'm a B blood type and the guide says that they don't generally benefit from herbal teas, with a few exceptions. As "unbeneficial" they list Red Clover and of course they leave out so many available herbs. What do you think about the testing of the blood type in general and the beneficial nutirition of herbal infusions?

I'm so tired of being confused and I have a fairly narrow field of resources I select from ...

Hello,

No doubt it is confusing trying to navigate all the different approaches to health and diet - blood type diet, low-carb, macrobiotic, raw food, juicing, fasting.... and on and on. These types of specialized diets have been around through the ages. I can tell you that Susun follows The Nourishing Traditions diet put forth by Weston A. Price. The emphasis is on whole unprocessed foods, full-fat dairy, fermented foods, whole grains with vegetables and some meat. This diet along with daily use of herbal infusions is the foundation for her approach to health and diet. This is a simple way of eating as close to the source as you can without following complicated lists of do's and don't's. I can't say that I am familiar with all the guidelines put forth by the blood type diet, but one that is telling you to avoid most healing herbs is not in line with the Wise Woman Tradition.

Susun is a firm believer in the nutritional value of herbal infusions as a way to maintain health and help supply your body with all of the needed vitamins and minerals. And you need to understand that when it comes to using herbs in this manner - as a powerful supplier of these minerals and vitamins, you do need to do infusions. Teas won't be beneficial as you are talking about a very small amount of herb that is usually steeped for 10 minutes. Here is a further breakdown of what you will find in these infusions:

http://medherb.com/Materia_Medica/The_Mineral_Content_of_Herbal_Decoctions_.htm

Certainly, we are not a one size fits all and there are times when people do need more specialized diets. You have to decide what works for you. That is also part of the Wise Woman Tradition - listening to your body's intuition. If you are following this diet, how do you feel? How were you eating before? Any diet that has caused you to cut out processed foods, white flour, white sugar, etc. will most likely be beneficial to you, but I certainly wouldn't agree with avoiding herbs. Herbs has been something that humans have used since the dawn of time for health and healing; in fact, that was all we had for ages as our medicine - so I certainly do believe that they are beneficial, no matter your blood type.

Susun offers phone consultations if you have a desire to discuss this in further detail with her.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

March 23, 2011 in Food and Drink, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Nourishing Traditions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A, Wise Woman Wisdom | Permalink | Comments (0)

Boosting Immunity

Hello Susun,

I am desperate for some good info!!!...I have been getting sick with EVERY virus that has come my way, usually I only get sick 2 times a year with sinus problems. I know stress really knocks out the immune system so a while back I started taking zinc, vit D, elderberry, multivitamins, vit B complex, and fish oil. It does not seem to be helping me ward off these illnesses or even shorten them, I seem to be getting sick with the next bug before I am even recovered form the previous. Do you have any suggestions for helping the immune system when it has been affected by high stress?

... Any advice you have will be SO welcomed and appreciated!!!

Hi,

Susun isn't for multi-vitamins, preferring to use herbal infusions for all her additional vitamin and mineral needs. Daily use of them will help with health and immunity. I make sure to rotate between oatstraw, nettles, red clover, comfrey leaf and then adding additional linden and mullein, especially during winter.

I would also be adding seaweed and medicinal mushrooms to my diet. Also love astragalus - can make tincture and I always throw some into a pot of soup, along with plenty of garlic. I can direct you to a link Susun wrote on the immune system but as you know, our minds play a big part of what manifests. Divorce, stress - all effects us and until we are settled within ourselves in regards with our circumstances, illnesses will be more likely. Having some kind of support system, exercising regularly, meditating - all are important.

blessings,

Kim

Wise Woman Team

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Mineral_Rich_Herbs.htm

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

February 12, 2011 in Food and Drink, Healing Recipes, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (1)

Nutrition While on Medication

Hi Susun,

I wanted to ask a question. I am going off my crestor that I take for cholesterol with the doctors okay and I started to take Red yeast rice. Is that a good idea and also are there other natural ways to lower the cholesterol? I was also put on klonopin .05 dose which is very low and I am on it for about a year. I would like to be off this medication and wanted to know how long it would take to go off it and how should it be done...
Please let me know about the medication because I prefer not to be on it. My doctor knows I dont want to stay on it forever and I really need to have some control over my health and my life.

Thank you for all the support you have given in the past..

Hello,

Are you drinking nourishing herbal infusions? Oatstraw and Nettles leaf would both help you very much, both with lowering cholesterol and finding inner calm.

As for when is the time for you to stop your medication, you are empowered to make this decision, your doctor will support your decision.

Here is an article on nutrition for you

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Nutrition.htm

sending love and courage,

Justine

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

January 23, 2011 in Food and Drink, Health Concerns, Nourishing Herbal Infusions, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cholesterol and Heart Health

Hi,

Just wanted to ask you if there are herbs or natural procedures to lower cholesterol. I now was put on a medicine called crestor which did lower my cholesterol significantly but the level for my glucose has gone up a little bit. Is there anything that I can do for the glucose also. It is not very high but slightly. Any advice would be so appreciated. Thanks again.

Hello,

Here are some thoughts from Susun on cholesterol. I do not know what do about elevated
glucose due to the medication you have chosen to take.

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Nutrition.htm

"Linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic fats are the essential fatty
acids, but all fats, especially cholesterol, are vital for the
formation of sex hormones (especially postmenopausally), adrenal
hormones, vitamin D (for strong bones), and bile. Low cholesterol
diets make women's skin and vaginal tissues dry and impede the
functioning of the brain and nervous system.

"The belief that saturated fats elevate blood cholesterol, causing
blocked blood vessels, s-trokes and heart attacks has prevailed since
the mid-1960s. Yet most researchers consider this idea simplistic and
without scientific justification. In the Framingham Heart Study
(USA), the greater a person's intake of total fat, saturated fat, and
monounsaturated fat, the lower their risk of stroke. And, while high
blood cholesterol levels were a risk factor for heart disease, fat
and cholesterol intake in the diet were inversely correlated with
blood cholesterol...."

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed%20newsletter_september%
2001.htm#q3

"Did you know that over half of the people who have heart attacks in
the USA have normal or low cholesterol? Did you know that the theory
that high cholesterol causes or even indicates risk of heart attack
is non existent? Did you know that postmenopausal women produce
hormones that keep them healthy from cholesterol? For all these
reasons, I believe that you do not have a problem.

"However, we all need to eat diets that are rich in whole foods,
especially whole grains, for optimum heart health; and we all need to
exercise regularly to keep our hearts healthy. I think the best herb
for you right now might be tincture of Leonurus cardiaca
(motherwort). A dose is 10-20 drops taken 1-3 times a day.

"Read more about this herb in my Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way.
It will also teach you how to make nourishing herbal infusions and
vinegars that keep the heart healthy."

http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/January07/healingwise.htm

"Cholesterols connection to heart attacks has never been proven. And
we have virtually no idea what healthy cholesterol is in a post-
menopausal woman. Remember, my sweetheart incredibly high cholesterol
but never had a heart attack. Inflammation has been shown, over and
over, to lead to heart attacks. You may want to consider reducing
inflammation instead of cholesterol. One of the best ways to do that
is to stop eating oils are pressed from seeds, and to start eating
olive oil, organic butter, and the natural fats from organically-
raised, pastured animals...."

Do let us know if we can help further!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
http://www.wisewomanweb.com

You can get your health questions answered by Susun in one of two ways. Join the health hotline teleseminar on Monday and Thursday evenings 8pm EST, through the winter months. Or you may register for a private telephone consultation. You can also join the free women's health forum where hundreds of wise woman can help you. Sign up for the free herbal healing ezine, filled with wise woman wit and wisdom. Visit the Wise Woman Bookshop for online university, gift shop, bookshop, digital downloads, and more. Go to www.susunweed.com for a complete list of offerings including radio show and free videos.

January 22, 2011 in Food and Drink, Health Concerns, Herbal Allies, Weblogs, Wise Woman Q&A | Permalink | Comments (0)

Herbs and Diet for Gum Health

Dear Susun,

I hope you will be able to respond quickly, as I will need to decide whether to continue with a holistic approach or have gum surgery. (My dental insurance will run-out shortly so if I am to have surgery, I will need to do it within the next 2 months. I prefer not to have surgery, but I am not having much success with my current practices.)

My gums, particularly on the right front tooth, are receding. I’ve been brushing my teeth with Tom’s Natural toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with hydrogen peroxide 2-3 times a day. I am also visualizing re-growing the gums and trying to identify the spiritual meaning behind this “dis-ease”. So I’m trying not to “take off more than I can chew” and I’m learning to accept that “which I do not want to swallow” I read (credit given to Hilarion) that applying white oak bark powder directly to the gums will help regenerate gum growth. Have you found this to be effective? If so do you know of any good places to order the white oak bark? If not, what would work? Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and Mother Earth for all she has given us...

Hello,

I would discontinue the hydrogen peroxide as it is thought to be damaging to healthy tissue and impairs wound healing, it kills resident flora which then allows bad microbes & pathogens to enter the gums. At the very least the hydrogen peroxide does not seem to improve healing or reduce bacteria, see this article http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/456300_3

I would begin drinking at least two cups of nourishing herbal infusions daily, more like three cups daily, of both nettles leaf and oatstraw. Both are very healing to the entire body including to gum and tooth health.

Learn how to make nourishing herbal infusions here

http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

learn about lifestyle changes for bone and teeth health

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Bone_Health.htm

Nourishing herbal infusions, mineral-rich herbal vinegars, yogurt, and seaweed, combined with attention to tonification of the muscles, unfailingly increases bone density and creates flexible, healthy bones and women.

You might also begin to work with yarrow as a mouth wash or taken internally. Learn about Yarrow here http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/April08/wisewoman.htm

Yarrow tincture not only heals wounds, it counters and prevents infection. Yarrow has been shown to be effective in killing all manner of bacteria.

Learn about Susun’s CD’s on herbal mouth care

http://www.susunweed.com/Susun_Weed_CDs.html#Mouth

sending much love,

Justine